While we are not engaging in civil disobedience and do not expect arrests, there is always the possibility of counter-protestors or violent agitators. This session teaches the CLARA technique for nonviolent engagement, de-escalation skills and other practical tools. Through role-play and practical hands-on activities, participants will be taught to: a) remain clear, calm and centered in a conflict; b) de-escalate potential conflict situations; and c) be a safe, effective Peace Ambassador.

The session also includes disability etiquette training. This practical overview of best practices for appropriate and respectful interaction with people with disabilities is invaluable for the march and daily life.

Upon completion of the training, those who wish to serve as Peace Ambassadors will sign up and receive further instructions about their concrete duties.

ABOUT THE TRAINERS

Mica Stumpf received her BA in Peace and Conflict Studies from UC Berkeley and has been a nonviolence trainer for 6 years. In the fall of 2013, she spent 6 weeks working with an international peace team in Jeju Island, South Korea. Since January of 2013, she has been working as a Kingian Nonviolence trainer with Positive Peace Warrior Network and East Point Peace Academy. This work has opened the opportunity to teach nonviolence in local jails, tapping into a passion to serve communities most affected by violence. She has also trained in restorative justice and mediation. In 2015 Mica became a nonviolence trainer with the Metta Center for Nonviolence. In 2016 she became a certified counselor and currently works as a counselor in a private practice. For more information, see micastumpf.com. She lives in Oakland, CA.

Tara Ayres has over 30 years of professional experience in disability access and inclusion, pre-dating passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). She was responsible for compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (the precursor to the ADA) for the largest Wisconsin state agency. Trained and certified by Access Wisconsin as a facility access surveyor, she worked on ADA implementation for the 2 largest Wisconsin state agencies. Tara received training in accessible design for information technology at UW Madison’s Trace Research and Development Center, and has studied usability and accessible design through the Compuware Corporation, Weinshenk Consulting and the Association of Access Engineering Specialists. In addition, Tara has many years of nonprofit and community volunteer experience with disability rights. She coordinates disability access and rally programming for Women’s March Oakland.